Everyone in the events industry has an interesting story of they entered this business, no two paths are the same and most involve an interesting journey of eclectic experiences and a diverse set of skills. Kelly’s story follows suit and can best be summarized by a pursuit of challenges that can be solved by smart, creative, high energy doers and thinkers.
Starting in the summer following her freshman year at Drew University, Kelly began her journey with an internship and an Account Executive Assistant position with an advertising agency working on the launch of several new products including bringing the Jolly Rancher Lollipop to market – providing her first taste on launching businesses. Kelly’s career continued to launching eBooks with Rodale books and working with a team to put three of their trade books on the NY Times Bestseller List. In the midst of Kelly’s book publishing years, there were many trips to BookExpo America, Frankfurt Book Fair and Bologna Children’s Book Fair as both exhibitor and attendee.
In 2004, Kelly joined Reed Exhibitions handling the marketing for a newly formed small team called Launch Pad working with Greg Topalian, the now President of LeftField Media. While with Reed, Kelly oversaw the marketing and brand development for major events such as New York Comic Con and BookExpo America. Kelly was recruited by IQPC as the Global Marketing Director of the Americas overseeing the marketing efforts and teams for the conference events businesses in United States, Brazil and Canada. After a few years of traveling, Kelly took a step out of the events business to start her family.
Kelly is beyond ecstatic to be part of LeftField Media as President. Kelly lives in Old Saybrook with her husband, two boys, their English Bulldog and their flock of backyard chickens.